I have an auto trans. on my 08 and sometimes start off in 3rd and then move to 4th and then Drive as the speed and RPMs increase. This seems to give me a little more torque. I also down shift when I when slowing down. Does anyone else out there do this?

That's funny because I was going to ask the same question to see if anyone "shifts" an automatic. I don't go to the extreme of going all the way down to 3rd however when I'm at a stop and I really want to punch it and go I definitely take it out of D and there's a noticable difference. Not sure why since everything you read about how the ECU controls the tranny and engine would suggest there wouldn't be a difference.

The 'old school' term for it is "cowboying the shifter" here in S.F. and area we have a LOT of steep hills. I downshift on the downhills and uphills too and keep RPM's within a moderate window 'cause it's the nature of this tranny to seek the highest gear ASAP. The 'power button' is OK but I don't like its choices sometimes.

The 'old school' term for it is "cowboying the shifter" here in S.F. and area we have a LOT of steep hills. I downshift on the downhills and uphills too and keep RPM's within a moderate window 'cause it's the nature of this tranny to seek the highest gear ASAP. The 'power button' is OK but I don't like its choices sometimes.

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Sorry I am a noob... But the power button? I am confused? I am not sure I have seen it in my truck. Am I just blind?

I am coming from a Chevy Silverado that whose xmission always wanted to shift way too soon to the next higher gear. I think this tranny as-is, is matched very well with the engine - normal shift points allow fuel efficiency, but also let you get on it, while remaining in an optimum gear for acceleration.

That being said, yes, I shift all over the place. I love the flexibility! Often start in 3rd, or 4th (OK per the manual). Driving carefully (since its new) thru parking lots, I keep it in 2nd.

I do see more power when taking off in a lower gear, not punching it mind you. Toyota said there should be no problem as long as the RPMs are not too high. I don't see why they could not reset the ECU to give you that torque when you’re in "D" under normal driving. If you have not felt this ~ Do a normal stoplight take off (normal folks not foot to the floor, LOL), then stop and do the same in 3rd. You will feel what should feel in Drive.. Thanks for the feed back

I'm not sure if the newer trucs have the power button ("ETC" electronic transmission control) but when activated it simply holds out each gear to a higher RPM before shifting...basically what you're doing manually.

I'm not sure if the newer trucs have the power button ("ETC" electronic transmission control) but when activated it simply holds out each gear to a higher RPM before shifting...basically what you're doing manually.

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I knew a Texan that used to think his "Perf" switch turned on and off his turbo in his stock accord.

I'm not sure if the newer trucs have the power button ("ETC" electronic transmission control) but when activated it simply holds out each gear to a higher RPM before shifting...basically what you're doing manually.

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Are they actually equipping the Tacoma's with a Tow/Haul button? That's basically what you're describing. Been around on the 1/2 tons for some time now.

i shift down when i see a police officer standing at the side of the road, that way i slow down, and he wont notice my break lights, hehe.... also down shift when coming down from a steep hill, or going up....